2001 Ford F-550 SD Problems
- Complaints
- 29filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles, 7 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Ford F-550 SD (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 29 consumer complaints for the 2001 Ford F-550 SD. The part named most often is fuel system, with 13 complaints (45% of the total), followed by tires (8) and transmission and drivetrain (4). 7 of the complaints include a mileage, and 14% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 130,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 14 technical service bulletins for this model year. Tires complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system13 45%
- Tires8 28%
- Electrical system2 6.9%
- Engine cooling2 6.9%
- Vehicle speed control2 6.9%
- Hybrid propulsion system1 3.5%
- Seat belts1 3.5%
- Body and structure1 3.5%
- Suspension1 3.5%
Example complaints
Fuel system: “I am having problems with my Ford tank falling apart inside - have done my research and read about 100+ posts from other people with the same problem, no caused by the fuel, but by the tanks cheap design. Its going to cost thousands of dollars to fix - this is not fair - Ford knows of this problem, and they should fix it!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10297221, filed 2009-12, 288,000 milesTires: “We received a recall notice to have our local dealer (towne Ford) check the valve stems in our 2001 f-550. On january 23, 2002, the check was performed and we were told no replacements were necessary. On march 25, 2002, one of our three man crews was traveling on the freeway at 60-65 MPH and experienced what they described as a blowout of the right front tire. They were able to pull safely to the side and call a local tire service company to have the tire serviced. …”
NHTSA complaint #762471, filed 2002-05Transmission and drivetrain: “I have been experiencing power failure, fuel starvation on my 2001 f550 diesel truck. I replaced the filters today at the onset of the incident, but just replaced them about a month ago with my mechanic. It runs fine on level ground, but at an incline it loses power and barely makes it up a hill. I removed the tank pump from the top of the tank and looked in to it with a flashlight. The lining of my tank is peeling off. After investigating online, I find this is a serious issue with Ford. I cannot afford to repair this vehicle again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10241639, filed 2008-09, 110,000 milesElectrical system: “Dt: the consumer stated 2001 Ford f550 super duty caught on fire under the dash board. Consumer's husband was driving the vehicle when it caught on fire, going approximately 45 MPH. According to the husband, he smelled smoke and saw fire. Pulled over to try and put the fire out. The other people in the vehicle got the items out of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, and told the consumer there was a wrong fuse in it, installed by the consumer's mechanic. This happened on july 13, 2005. There was no one injured, neither the fire or police department was notified. …”
NHTSA complaint #10129085, filed 2005-07Mileage when problems were reported
14% of the 7 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 110,000 and 150,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1993–1997, 1999–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and…
- 07V553000Dec 5, 2007Engine and engine cooling › Engine › DieselCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1997–2003, F-450 SD 1997–2003, E Series 1997–2003 +3 more
On certain heavy duty trucks equipped with 7.3l diesel engines, the camshaft position sensor located on the engine of the vehicle may function intermittently, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
- 06V286000Aug 1, 2006Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1994–2002, F-250 1994–2002, F-350 1994–2002 +10 more
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
- 01V258000Aug 8, 2001Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › MotorCovers: Ford F-550 SD 2000–2001, F-250 2000–2001, Focus 2000–2001 +12 more
Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper…
- 01V227001Jul 16, 2001Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Ford F-550 SD 2001, F-150 2001, Excursion 2001 +10 more
Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. Equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. Ford crown victoria…
- 01V046000Feb 14, 2001Tires › ValveCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1999–2001, F-450 SD 1999–2001
Vehicle description: trucks equipped with commercial truck tires that have steel cords in the tire sidewall. The valve stems may have been torn or damaged during assembly and could leak causing sidewall damage.
Recall details for the 2001 Ford F-550 SD → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 14 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10171326Jan 13, 2020Equipment. This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for…
- 10171325Jan 13, 2020Equipment. This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for…
- 10055648Feb 1, 2014Equipment. Ford: the restraint control module (rcm) when using vcm ii, would have an error code 35 and diagnostic trouble code (dtc) b1035, and difficulty attempting programmable module installation (pmi)…
- 10023653Nov 1, 2007Transmission and drivetrain. 1999-2008 f250-f550 super duty 4x4 with electronic shift transfer case not engaging 4x4.
- 10018067Oct 7, 2005Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Vacuum pump inoperative or runs continuously - climate control defaults to defrost mode.
- 10013402Oct 7, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Drive away shudder or vibration.
- 10017865Jul 1, 2005Exterior lighting. Headlight adjustment - chassis cab incomplete vehicles.
- 10014138Jun 7, 2005Seat belts. Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10012965Feb 1, 2005Body and structure. Service tips before arc welding on the frame or body of a unit.
- 10013316Jan 1, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. A cold weather reverse engagement stall.
Other model years of the Ford F-550 SD
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 9 | 85,000 | 12 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 12 | 148,000 | 9 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 11 | 22,350 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 9 | 33,006 | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 6 | 40,500 | 10 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 26 | 33,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 23 | 32,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2006 | 44 | 43,982 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 32 | 47,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 49 | 36,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 33 | 60,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 22 | 59,000 | 4 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2001 | 29 | 130,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 72 | 51,500 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 61 | 65,000 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Ford F-550 SD model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Ford F-550 SD have?
NHTSA recorded 29 consumer complaints for the 2001 Ford F-550 SD as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Ford F-550 SD is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 13 complaints (45% of the total), followed by tires with 8.
Has the 2001 Ford F-550 SD been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Ford F-550 SD reported?
Among the 7 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 130,000 miles and the middle half falls between 110,000 and 150,000 miles; 14% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.